Hello UVM SGA,

I go to school at the University of Massachusetts, at Amherst.  I have
been monitoring this discussion list for about a month now just because
I've been interested in issues at other schools.  I am involved with
student government myself here at UMass.

Lately I have seen a lot of discussion about VPIRG on the list and I
would like to offer the following information to give you maybe another
option.  This may be applicable, or maybe even totally insane depending
on your government structure (I'm not familiar with UVM), but it might
help a little.

From what I understand, you have been talking about the VPIRG issues on two
levels, recognition and funding.  At UMass, MassPIRG exists on campus.
Its funding is derived from a $5 (waivable) fee on every student's
tuition.  By waivable I mean that the fee is included along with all the
other student fees, but you can opt for its removal.  The plus side is
that it is optional but the down side is that most students don't even
know they are paying it (i.e. it does show up on your bill but it's not
really noticable or communicated to students).

That's about all I know about MassPIRG here, but it might give you a new
angle while tackling the issue.

Any questions?  [log in to unmask]

good Luck,

Bill Toffel
Lieutenant Governor,
Sylvan Area Government
http://www.umass.edu/rso/sylvanag/